Bios
Murray Dobbin
Murray Dobbin is an author, broadcaster and journalist. He is the author of five books and is a former columnist with Financial Post and Winnipeg Free Press. He is a board member of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. He lives in Powell River, BC.
Stories by Murray Dobbin
Bow Down Canadians, Corporations Are King
Harper's creed: 'Ask not what your economy can do for you, ask what you can do for your economy.'
Stephen Harper and the Big Oil Party of Canada
Now that petro interests reign supreme, even other corporate sectors lose their sway.
This Year, Put the Country Ahead of the Party
May I suggest a resolution for 2012? Defeat Stephen Harper's government.
It's the Economy, Dippers
In NDP leadership debate, Peggy Nash stakes out territory party needs to conquer.
Wake up and Listen to Occupiers
Their challenge to each of us is not to live in tents, but to resist, remake any way we can.
Harper's Plan to Dismantle Canada's Safety Nets
His social engineering aim is to privatize social services and leave the job to charities.
Remember the NDP Leadership Race?
As the Occupy movement outpaces the political process, I wonder if any of these candidates can turn anger into hope.
We're Seeing How Badly Harper Misread Canadians
Hudak's defeat and Occupy Bay Street are latest signs PM's politics aren't embraced.
Is Capitalism Preparing to Bury Itself?
Choke consumers' wages and you choke the economy. Why don't our leaders see that?
Libya, the Lie
What we're not being told about Gadhafi, and the real reason the US wanted him gone.
New Dems, Look to Libby Davies for Leadership Qualities
Can the NDP thrive after Jack? And save the country?
NDP Needs to Launch a Culture War
The party can grow by showing it's more in tune with Canadian values.
Letter from Powell River, Catalyst Town
The mill got its tax cut. Now it wants more public funds to handle the town's sewage.
Can NDP Help Restore Canada's Reputation?
Learn from Afghanistan, challenge Harper's unprincipled foreign policy.
Libya, Canada's Other Ugly War
Is NATO's real target African unity, financed by Gadhafi?
Why Striking Postal Workers Deserve Support
This is about a crucial, wider fight for income equality and collective bargaining rights.
Harper's Goal: Create a New Irrational Reality
As PM re-engineers Canadian society, he never lets facts get in the way.
Will Libyans See Us as Saviours?
What sort of 'democracy' will we help promote there? Our record is lousy.
Now What for Canada's Left?
Progressives must invest more thought, energy and, yes, money in their vision for this nation.
Layton's Surge and the Intentional Citizen
Most Canadians' values long have aligned with New Democrats. Is this an ah ha! moment?
Our Wounded Democracy
Citizens would rather shop, making them vulnerable to manipulation by politicians without scruples.
Contemplating the Unthinkable Harper Majority
A vote for the Tories this time could mean the end of Canada as we know it.
Why Can't Politicians Talk about What's Real?
Looking at a federal election, and its parallel universe of life and death unmentionables.
Fresh Issue for Spring Election: Democracy
Harper is increasingly vulnerable, and Layton's NDP is best situated to benefit.
Harper, Autocrat
His government 'doctored' a document to get its way and punish enemies. Why should we be surprised?
How Layton Can Convert His Popularity into Votes
The NDP leader rates highest, and needs to put a clear proposition to Canadians.
The CEO and the New Feudalism
Typical leader of a top 100 firm makes in three days what average worker must toil a year to earn.
Harper's Pipeline Nightmare
The PM backs the Enbridge plan to pipe tar sands crude to the BC coast. But the politics are ugly.
Postscript on the New McCarthyism
Stephen Harper is succeeding in his efforts to make it a crime to criticize Israel.
That Gap between Rich and Poor Is a Baby Killer
The deadly, unforeseen consequences of Canada's widening inequality.
Citizen Psychopaths
Who put us in this mess? Those 'natural persons' otherwise know as corporations.
This is the Security State Steve Built
Why the Tories keep whipping up fear of terrorists, criminals and peaceful protestors.
A Coalition: Still the Only Way Out
Harper survived a stretch of stumbles because Grits and New Dems let him.
Reckless and Ruinous: Harper's Economics
He ties us to stumbling US, pulls plug on stimulus, rolls dice on tar sands folly.
Don't Give Canada a Security Council Seat
Despite the PM's high-minded rhetoric, we haven't earned the spot.
The Fight of Our Lives
Why halting Canada's march towards tar sands petro-state must be our first priority.
Let's Put an End to Ruling Through Fear
Canadian politics needs a game-changer. Over to you, Jack!
Harper's G20 Victory: Shrinking Canada
PM's purpose always has been to slash the social democratic state, even if it spurs a recession.
Asbestos: Quebec Labour's Shame
Why are that province's union leaders defending this killer export by Canada?
Fire the Managers
Enough with running Canada 'like a business.' We need leaders with hearts and vision.
Bill C-9 and the Coalition Imperative
Britain's new leaders have paved the way for what Ignatieff must do now.
Harper's Christian Right Wing
The PM is fomenting a culture war, but his opponents barely seem to realize it.
Four Ways Canada's Democracy Crisis Is Deepening
The way back is for a Liberal and New Dem coalition to promise proportional representation.
They're Recharging Democracy
These groups start at the community level, and you're invited.
Obama's Nightmare in Middle East
Relations with Israel strain as threat of war with Iran looms. US must redefine its interests.
If Israel Attacked Iran
The unintended consequences are myriad, says top U.S. military leader.
Israel's Apartheid
Blacks in South Africa never faced a 20-foot wall dividing their communities. Palestinians' land is still being seized, their orchards bulldozed.
The Rich are Canadians, Too
But they've stopped acting like it, which is why it's time for tax laws to make them pay their share.
Harper's Attack on Women's Rights and Equality
Remember all he's done to thwart hard-won progress.
Canada's Sudden Democracy Movement
Can the NDP and the traditional left catch up with this spontaneous uprising?
First Prorogue, then Eviscerate
Harper's agenda has a simple goal: destroy the Canadian social safety net.
The Ugly Canadian
Nine ways we are ruining our once enviable reputation in the world.
Harper Rolls over Soft Foes
Ignatieff's Liberals and Layton's NDP cede ground by seeming to be wishy-washy.
Criticizing Israel Isn't Antisemitism
But a new coalition of MPs seems to say the two are one and the same.
Karzai's Afghanistan, Last Nail in the West's Coffin
The most powerful empire in history proves to be dumb as a bag of hammers.
Why Canada's Housing Bubble Will Burst
'The largest sub-prime lender in the world is now the Canadian government.'
Victory over Proven Killer
How a campaign for justice and worker safety defeated Canada's powerful asbestos industry.
Canada Must Forge Its Own Economic Fate
The SPP is dead. Good. That helps reduce dependence on a downbound US.
Stephen Harper, Unfit to Govern
Few are thrilled to have another election, but we must put it to good use.
Afghan Election's Outcome Doesn't Matter
Why? Because US has thwarted, not supported, democracy there.
Left Needs Soul Searching
To make people care, craft a 'politics of meaning'.
From Crisis Comes Hope
But only if a weary left can lead with new ideas. Here's a few to start.
Why Flaherty Loves His $50 Billion Deficit
After creating it with tax cuts, he has an excuse to slash government.
Ignatieff and Asbestos
How he really can get on the right side of this long overdue debate.
Afghan Politics: Let's Be Real
How US promoted corruption while locking out true democracy.
Who's Obama Proving to Be?
Part 1: He's the (reluctant) imperial president.
If Harper Survives
What's at stake if the PM wriggles out of this one.
Best Move for Liberals: Govern by Coalition
How Grits can save Canada and themselves.
Gordon Campbell, Last Champion of Financial Deregulation
The crash should have killed TILMA.
Left Coalition Badly Needed
Harper's agenda must be stopped by Liberals, NDP and Bloc.
Six Ways Harper Is Wrecking the Economy
Need evidence? Look south.
Tough Luck, Kids
When Harper plays the family card, he cheats.
Turning Back Harper
To deny Tories a majority, how best to vote?
Has US Crippled NATO?
Georgia debacle may be the last straw, isolating US with Canada.
Afghanistan Transforms Canada
To play junior partner to empire, we've militarized our identity.
Will Canada Last?
Not if we surrender our energy lifeblood to the US.
Colin Powell, Keep Out
The case for blocking Bush's war spinner at our border.
God's Wrath, and the Tories'
Harper's zeal for retribution seems religious.
Americanize Me? No Thanks
Why Canadians must fight 'deep integration' with US.
War Is Peace
Orwell wrote the Harper doctrine.
'Turning the Screws'
Give up on social programs, says Harper budget.
Food Fight: Canada vs. Europe
We're forcing GMOs on people who fear them.
Black vs. Kissinger and Buckley
Hey, we thought you were 'friends'!
Sell Your Car, Stay Sane
Car sharing works. Hop in, Harper!
CBC Wants 'Intelligence' Dead, Says Show's Creator
Chris Haddock on politics, televised and not.
Why Tax Cuts Make Us Weak
Taxes are the price of a civilized society. Support them.
Target Iran: Where's Harper?
PM silent as White House edges toward attack.
Through the Looking Glass with Jim Flaherty
On the political art of doing nothing.
Our Grand Ayatollah
Tom d'Aquino rules Canada's fate. What does he want?
Canada Up for Grabs
Montebello proved 'deep integration' should be a big election issue.
The Plan to Disappear Canada
'Deep integration' comes out of shadows.
Hansen Plays 'Jeopardy,' BC Loses
Minister on TILMA: Bzzzz wrong!
Torture Scandal's Message
Harper's sorry stance on human rights.
What's the Big Deal?
Greens made a poor ally in Dion's Grits.
Corny Energy 'Solution'
Last stage of denial: ethanol will save us!
Harper's Bait and Switch Budget
Phony spending foreshadows future cuts.
In Defence of Red Tape
It keeps our safety, health and lives together.
'Very Big Teeth' Threaten Campbell's Green Ambitions
TILMA trade agreement would penalize his plans.
How the Left Should Frame Issues
Harper's team is expert at word games.
Corporate Rights Deal to Make Us April Fools
TILMA will strip our ability to set local limits.
Will Dion Be Paul Martin 2.0?
Key staff pick shows true economic colours.
Vote NDP to Keep Libs Honest
But Jack, lay off Dion. Here's a better way.
Enough Tax Cuts!
Harper keeps carving away at Canada's soul.
US Vote: Trouble for Harper
With Bush a lame duck, PM's plans look passé.
What Happened to Labour Rights?
You'd hardly know collective bargaining is a human right.
Terror Plot: Canada Stays Cool
More community promotes less fear mongering.
Canada out of Afghanistan
This has nothing to do with peacekeeping.
President Stephen Harper
Is he governing for Canada, or just Alberta?
Let's Cheer Our Defeat
Canada tried to un-ban 'terminator' seeds. Instead, 1.4 billion farmers won.
Erasing Vancouver's Olympic Image
NPA moves undercut values that won us the bid.
Not So Bad, Eh?
Harper may be PM, but the winner is left-wing Canada.
Be an 'Intentional Citizen'
'Strategic voting?' It's all about outcomes.
Why the Greens Aren't Very Green
Federal party is short on solid policies and democracy.
The Case Against a Martin Majority
The more power he had, the stingier he got.
The Signal Vancouver Can Send
A municipal vote eyed by progressives across Canada.
Canada's Deadly 'P3' Hospital Boondoggles
Zooming costs, worse care, more deaths.
Nasty Business
Hollinger's Radler was small fry in sea of CEO sharks.
Terasen Sale Must Be Snuffed
Control of our energy should be BC's top priority.
New Orleans: Maximizing Disaster
Behold the results of years of 'downsizing'.
Liberal Corruption, beyond the Sponsorship Scandal
If 'perversion of its original state' is the definition, here are examples.
Sterile Seeds, Canada's Impotence
Why was Africa's 'Father of Biosafety' hassled at our nation's gates?
Why Conservatives Should Thank Chuck Cadman
He saved them from a doomed election led by hard right Harper.
The Libs' Big Fib
They say their astute management erased a huge NDP deficit. Wrong. And wrong.
Harper's Dark Opportunity
Our next PM may be the Grim Reaper of Canadian politics.
Time to Tame Corporate Power
Global CEOs are unclear on the concept of government. They think it’s their support staff.
'Pro-Canadian' Means Much More than 'Anti-American'
Embracing Canadian values goes way beyond resenting our neighbours.
Canada’s Cold, Hard Face to the World
Backing ‘terminator seeds’ painted us, again, as the bad guy.
'For Our Own Good, Give Canada Away'
The 'deep integrationists' plan one happy continent, but we must teach the little ones.
Way Too Meek on U.S. Trade
The Chinese want our oil. Maybe that will get Uncle Sam's attention.
Martin's Pants Appear on Fire
The PM's been asked again and again about how he runs his shipping firm. Why does he keep mangling the sad facts?
Paul Martin's Stunted Imagination
One year on, do we have a prime minister yet?
The Man Who Walks with Dinosaurs
The return of Stockwell Day, who now implies that people with AIDS deserve no sympathy.
Is Canada's Elite at War with its Citizens?
While expert 'realists' tell us to play nice with U.S. global aims, Canadians see a 'rogue' next door.
Is Canada's Elite at War with Citizens?
While expert 'realists' tell us to play nice with U.S. global aims, Canadians see a 'rogue' next door.
Paul Martin's democratic deficit
While the new PM promises to empower MPs, his record as finance minister and a leadership candidate shows profound disregard for democratic process
Martin's Slippery Speech
Yesterday's address was full of vague gestures at problems the PM helped create in the first place.
The Throne Speech We'd Love to Hear
Don't bet Paul Martin has the guts to give it.
All Hail the Alienator!
Paul Martin says he wants to deal with B.C. alienation. Unfortunately, he's been a significant cause of it.
- Attawapiskat third party manager will stay: Federal Court judge
- No independent agency, but increased monitoring in oilsands
- Caterpillar shuts Electro-Motive plant in London, Ont., where workers locked out
- Alberta, Ottawa to release plan for oilsands environmental monitoring
- Youth reps: Canada needs national strategy for Aboriginal children
- Report says science, not minister should rule Canada's fisheries
- Rural reporters can't make a living, says former Nelson Post editor
- Federal bureaucrats pose as 'new Canadians' on Sun News citizenship ceremony
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Bad Apple
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Bow Down Canadians, Corporations Are King
- UK urges quick completion of Canada-EU free trade agreement
- Tides Canada: Let's Have Open, Honest Debate about Our Energy Future
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- No Way, YVR!
- My Kodak Moment
- Eleven Oily Questions for Every MP
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- We'll Frack Alberta's Next Election, Vow Landowners
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- View from the Reichstag
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Bow Down Canadians, Corporations Are King
- Reality Check for Europe Bashing Republicans
- Tides Canada: Let's Have Open, Honest Debate about Our Energy Future
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Turning Turtle in Bangkok
- My Kodak Moment
- Where Can You Go for a Real Movie Experience Anymore?
- Bad Apple
- Libs Threaten Hard Won Logging Agreements: Simpson
- Catalyst Paper says one union at Crofton mill voted down new labour agreement
- Market for Enbridge's Gateway Pipeline Remains Murky
- A Tour of Duty in BC's Poverty 'War Zone'
- Tides Canada: Let's Have Open, Honest Debate about Our Energy Future
- New rules for radicals: 10 ways to spark change in a post-Occupy world
- ‘Free-for-all’ decimates fish stocks in the southern Pacific
- Saudi oil minister calls global warming ‘humanity’s most pressing concern’
- Deutsche Bank chief fears ‘social time bomb’
- ‘Yoga body’: the conspiracy
- U.S. Air Force’s ‘big penetrator’ needs to be harder
- How to make a web series and the future of social media (podcast)
- The artful dodgers of Melbourne’s graffiti revolution
